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For many couples, drawing up the guest list is the first task in planning a wedding. But if the idea of ​​a large-scale celebration sounds anything but appealing, you and your partner might want to consider something a little more intimate: a micro wedding. These weddings, which are different from small weddingsPrioritize creating a deeply personal day with your loved ones over long guest lists.

Below, PS spoke to wedding planners who specialize in micro weddings to find out all about what it entails and how to plan one.

Experts from this article

Danielle Rothweiler is the owner and master planner of Rothweiler Event Design based in New Jersey.

Wendee Walter Vezzetti is a wedding planner specializing in micro weddings based in Colorado.

What is a micro wedding?

A micro wedding is much smaller in size than traditional weddings. Generally, they consist of 10 to 30 guests, including the couple, parents and immediate family with whom the couple is close, says wedding planner Danielle Rothweiler.

For couples with large families, a micro wedding can literally mean a family-only guest list, according to microwedding planner Wendee Walter Vezzetti. Older couples usually consist of a few close friends or even their adult children and their families.

In addition to the guest list, micro weddings often include elements of a traditional wedding, but on a much smaller scale. “For example, instead of celebrating in a large banquet room complete with DJ and dancing, couples can simply take their guests for dinner in the private space of a restaurant,” says Walter Vezzetti.

Why couples prefer a micro wedding

There are several compelling reasons to host a micro wedding, but many couples want to foster a stronger sense of intimacy on their big day. “Couples are opting for micro weddings mainly so they can spend time with their closest friends and family members,” says Walter Vezzetti. “With a smaller guest list, couples can really connect with every person in attendance because there is no rush to greet hundreds and couples can truly enjoy the company of their closest loved ones.” Essentially, micro weddings provide an intimate atmosphere and space for meaningful connection between your loved ones.

Then there’s the cost: In 2024, the average wedding cost rose to about $33,000 from $29,000 in 2023, according to the wedding planning and registry platform. Zola. Micro weddings allow couples to scale back their expenses, simplifying the planning process compared to a full wedding, says Walter Vezzetti. This is especially true for couples who have already started planning a ‘traditional’ wedding, but then experience shock at the high costs of venues, catering and other wedding elements.

“Back to a micro wedding again frees up budgets for couplesallowing them to spend money on other priorities, like a down payment on a house or an unforgettable honeymoon,” says Walter Vezzetti. fixed costs despite your guest list.)

Finally, micro weddings can be significantly less stressful to plan. You’ll spend less time tracking RSVPs, creating seating charts, and responding to specific guest preferences. Additionally, it becomes easier to coordinate logistics, manage furnishings, and follow a more lenient timeline.

Micro wedding vs. small wedding: what’s the difference?

Small weddings typically accommodate 26 to 45 guests, while elopements have a group size of 10 or fewer people, says Walter Vezzetti. “While couples may view weddings with 60 guests as small, a group that size often exceeds the capacity of most restaurants’ private rooms and vacation homes, which are often used for post-ceremony celebrations,” she says. “So with this larger group size, couples may need to rent banquet rooms, hire more services such as catering and decorations, and plan an event on a larger scale, moving the event away from the intent of a micro wedding (simplicity) and towards a traditional wedding. ”

How to plan a micro wedding

Come up with a guest list

The most important element of a micro wedding is the guest list. This is not the time to “guilt” your great aunt or your coworker from your first job. If you wouldn’t invite them to dinner at your house, they probably don’t need to be invited to your wedding.

Also consider whether this person will be important in your life in fifteen years, says Walter Vezzetti. “When narrowing things down, remember family members and friends who have been with you through thick and thin – these are the people whose presence will mean the most as you reminisce.”

Choose a location

Restaurants are a popular choice for a micro wedding because guests can choose from the menu (there’s no need to gather meal choices in advance). In addition, they are equipped with serviceware, so you don’t have to invest a lot of time or money in rental and installation, Walter Vezzetti adds. “Many couples report that this simplicity makes the day more meaningful and memorable. They can remember their vows and commitments to each other, which is what getting married is really about.”

Other venue options for a micro wedding include public lands, such as local, state and national parks. “These locations offer beautiful outdoor settings and are not the typical wedding venue options,” says Walter Vezzetti. Plus, they probably don’t need much decor. If you’re looking for something truly unique, visit historic sites, museums, bed and breakfasts or a vacation home (with owner’s permission).

Set your micro wedding budget

With any wedding, you and your partner need to get on the same page and prioritize what’s most important. For some couples, elaborate flowers or a luxury photographer are non-negotiable; for others an unforgettable location or an extensive meal.

“Allocate a larger portion of your budget to these elements and scale back on less important items,” says Walter Vezzetti, who recommends dividing your wedding budget into four main groups: travel, ceremony package, post-ceremony celebration and typical wedding expenses like clothing. , rings and license.

Create unforgettable guest experiences

Part of what makes a micro wedding so special is that it provides ample opportunities to create memorable experiences for the bride and groom and their guests. They can be as simple as placing heartfelt notes on each guest’s chair or asking a close family member or friend to officiate the ceremony. Consider opting for experiences like a group photo session or an interactive guestbook instead of “things.”

Hire a wedding planner

Even with a smaller guest list, couples can still benefit from hiring a wedding planner, especially one skilled in micro weddings. “An experienced local planner can streamline the process, provide personalized solutions and connect you with trusted local suppliers who share the same philosophy and understand the unique needs of intimate celebrations,” says Walter Vezzetti. “Not only will this save you time and stress, but it can also help you stay on budget and still have a great wedding.”